ADDRESS 



DELIVERED AT THE 



ANNUAL MEETING 



N. jj). Slate &grimUaral Borictg, 



AT THE CAPITOL,, IN THE CITY OF ALBANY, JANUARY 22, 1852; 

BY JOHN DELAFIELD, 



PRESIDENT OF THE SOCIETY. 



ALSO, AM 



ADDRESS BY THE PRESIDENT, 



ON PRESENTING THE MEDALS OF THE SOCIETY TO ITS MEMBEBS WHO RECEIVED 



AWARDS AT THE GREAT EXHIBITION IK LONDON, 1851. 



-. — •+♦♦« 



ALBANY: 

CHARLES VAN BENTHUYSEN, PRINTER, 
No. 407 Broadway. 

1852. 



ADDRESS 



DELIVERED AT THE 



ANNUAL MEETING 



N. $. State Slgrtcnltnral Borietg, 

1 

AT THE CAPITOL, IN THE CITY OF ALBANY, JANUARY 22, 1852; 

/ 
BY JOHN DELAFIELD, 



PRESIDENT OF THE SOCIETY. 



ALSO, AN 

ADDRESS BY THE PRESIDENT, 

ON PRESENTING THE MEDALS OF THE SOCIETY TO ITS MEMBERS WHO RECEIVED 

AWARDS AT THE GREAT EXHIBITION IN LONDON, 1851. 



ALBANY: 

CHARLES VAN BENTHUYSEN, PRINTER, 
No. 407 Broadway. 

1852. 



ADDRESS. 

The agricultural year of the State Society has reached its latest hour, 
and with that hour the period of my probation closes — with that hour will 
terminate the duties which with temerity I undertook to fulfill. Conscious 
of love for the cause and devotion to its objects, a hope is indulged that 
your interests have not been neglected, and that all power is restored to you 
unimpaired. 

Permit me to ask your attention, for a portion of this hour, while we glance 
at the past and attempt to penetrate the future ; to ascertain the value of the 
labors you have caused to be liberally expended ; the results derived from 
them ; and the encouragement presented for continued and greater efforts. 

If in any of my remarks there appears a freedom bordering on personality, 
let it be excused for the benefits which are concomitants to strong lights and 
shades ; if any allegations startle the imagination of those who have viewed 
Agriculture as the dull, unintellectual lot of the ignorant, let investigation 
be roused to test the truth or to discard the fallacy of each proposition. 

Three score yenrs and ten have only now been numbered with the past 
since the site of this edifice, of this Capitol of the State, was covered with 
wild, entangled woods, giving shelter and concealment to a foe whose knife 
and hatchet caused wide-spread terror and dismay; these seats, occupied 
from year to year by patriots and statesmen, whose wisdom and able counsels 
guided us to national pre-eminence, now cover the ground where the wild 
notes of roving red men made the blood to' course faster through the arteries 
of our fathers, and caused the timid mother to strain her infant closer to her 
bosom ; all beyond the confines of this now populous, busy, and enterprising 
city was a wilderness. How few can at this day credit the dangerous and 
perilous situation of the families who then clustered in Albany, forming a 
city with only three thousand five hundred inhabitants ! How few can call 
to mind events in the youthful days of men yet living, and connected with 
the perils of that period ! To some few of us the month of August, 1780, 
is yet memorable, when the stealthy Indian, instigated by promises of reward, 
entered the residence of a gentleman in this city, (General Schuyler,) with 
the bold intent of his abduction ; and the man yet lives, an honored and 



respected former of Western New-York,* who was present, as a child, at 
that scene of treachery. And it may well he, there are some persons here 
present who can yet picture to the mind, from recollection, the alarm of a 
family, gathered in the shades of the evening around the family hoard, in 
supposed security — the domestics scattered ahout the premises, unmindful of 
danger— all listless, after the toil and heat of an August day— when suddenly 
the Indians were seen among the trees of the yard and gardens. Careful 
for the safety of his wife and children, General Schuyler hurried them to 
the upper apartments, and arming himself, prepared to resist the attack. It 
is foreign to our purpose to describe the agony of Mrs. Schuyler, when, 
on reaching the upper apartment, she discovered that her infant child had 
been left in the cradle in the lower room ; with a mother's love, she was 
rushing to its rescue, but was detained by the General, whose third daughter, 
the late Mrs. Stephen Van Rensselaer, descending the stairway, snatched 
the slumbering child from its couch, was escaping with it, when a tomahawk 
was hurled, rending her garments, grazing her form ; yet she escaped without 
serious injury, placing the child safe in the arms of the mother. Such scenes 
were not unfrequent at the recent period named, around this spot where 
we are thus peacefully and happily assembled. When the war notes of our 
successful struggle for civil freedom ceased to vibrate, the plow and the 
scythe were called into action ; the hand which had wielded the sword, the 
spear, or the rifle, soon became accustomed to upturn the furrow or scatter 
the seed. The astonishing fertility and productiveness of' the land, the pure 
atmosphere of our skies, and the blessings of freedom, induced crowds of 
adventurers from Europe to seek this land — a land flowing with milk and 
honey — yielding to Labor a rich reward. Commerce started into life, and, 
as a further consequence, the Manufacturing Arts followed in the train of 
successful Agriculture. The young nation exhibited the sagacity and wisdom 
of age, seeming to possess the virtues of the fatherland, without inheriting 
the prominent errors and vices or prejudices which darkened the history of 
European governments and people. With this remark, however, let us not 
forget what the mother has done for the daughter ; let us admit, with kindliest 
feelings, the gratitude we owe for our language and our laws ; and let the 
mother rejoice in the beauty, vigor, and intelligence of the daughter. To 
.supply food and raiment for the masses of human beings collected and in- 
creasing in cities and villages along the Atlantic shores, taxed the husband- 
man's industry, and overtasked his lands, inducing him to draw from the 
same soil, year after year, the various bread-yielding grains. The increase 
of wealth, from the employment of his labor and his land, hushed into silence 

* Judge Church, of Angelica, Allegany county. 



the growing evils of diminished products ; then, as now, men in their ignorance 
would attribute to chance or accident the fast failing fertility of their farms, 
the absence of remunerating equivalents. True it is, that while the Indian 
tribes hovered around our settlements, confining our exertions to narrow 
limits, the diminution of the earth's products did not materially depreciate 
the value of the soil ; for the rapid influx of population gave to the grain 
field the new character of town lots or speculative grounds, driving the 
original proprietors, with their sons and daughters, to new lands in untrodden 
wilds, theifc to pursue and practice the same destructive systems as regarded 
fertility, and plant the germs of new villages. To many this statement will 
doubtless appear strange, to some extravagant ; yet it has been pursued to 
this day — a wide-spread national evil. 

We have it on record that the Father of his Country* declared, in 1792, 
that " Systems of agriculture we had none ; our modes were within ourselves, 
and so devoid of calculation, that any attempt at illustration must fail, 
expose our defective practice, and be considered a beacon of our ignorance." 
Mr. Jefferson, in his " Notes," declared that, " Where our soil had lost 
its fertility by exhaustion, a less quantity should be occupied, and be better 
cultivated." Yet then, as now, he found it difficult to ascertain the point of 
deterioration where culture should be increased, and to what extent be carried. 
In those days of destructive farming, the cultivator had no knowledge of the 
cause, nor any known means whereby to repair, the damage he inflicted on 
his farm ; yet the statesmen I have named, owners and cultivators of large 
estates, saw and deplored the evils which in a measure retarded the public 
weal ; and though science had not then pointed to the remedy, they predicted 
that the improvident course would have an eud, notwithstanding the day 
might be far distant. 

Admitting, then, that the Agriculture of fifty years ago was the result of 
labor applied without knowledge, without system, or calculation ; admitting, 
also, that the evil continues at this day; it is due to the cultivators and 
farming interests of the State that an explanation be given for the tardy 
advance of Agriculture, as compared with the improvements in other arts 
and other departments of science. We need go no farther back than one 
hundred and sixty-four years to discover the foundation of modern natu- 
ral philosophy: it was then Sir Isaac Newton lived, and, witnessing 
the fall of an apple from a tree in his garden, conceived the first impres- 
sions of the law of gravitation. Newton then gave life to mechanical 
philosophy. In 1768 — only eighty-two years ago — Arkwright forsook 
his employment as a poor hair dresser, to erect the first successful mill for 

* General Washington, in 1792. 





spinning. Forty-four years only have elapsed since steam was successfully 
applied to navigation on the Hudson river; a mighty power, which was at once 
adapted and applied to almost every branch of manufacturing industry, being 
a substitute for the labor of men and animals. In truth, we may say that 
within the last fifty years, science began to promote the welfare of mankind 
by discoveries in every department of knowledge; first stimulating the mind 
by abstruse inquiries into mathematics — then leading to the natural sciences, 
more particularly the division of mechanical philosophy ; thus enabling man 
to apply his mind systematically to almost every art and science, save only 
the cultivation of the earth. It was reserved for Sir Humphrey Davy to 
open the portals of science to the farmer, about the year 1813 — giving to us 
only thirty-eight years to investigate amd comprehend the properties of 
matter, and the applications of its divisions and subdivisions to our uses in 
all the various departments of Agriculture. 

The discoveries of Davy gave him rank among the most distinguished 
chemists of the age. Though, when a student, he was pronounced an "idle 
and incorrigible boy," his taste for chemistry led him into the examination 
of material substances, and of the laws which regulated their composition 
and decomposition; he was thus led to the examination of soils and of the 
atmosphere; from that clay the business of the farmer became a science 
as well as an art. The only science which could open to the agriculturist a 
knowledge of his soils and plants, his manures, or matters inimical, is 
independent of all other sciences fbr explanation of its principles ; neither 
can any of its facts be ascertained or anticipated by mathematical reasoning. 

Time and experiment have raised the science of chemistry to its eminence, 
and experiment only will open to us new principles or facts. Thus it seems 
evident, that the recent or later application of science to Agriculture may 
readily account for the hitherto slow advancement of improved farming, and 
the comparative want of knowledge among farmers. Thus, too, it will be 
seen that most classes of men had advantage over the cultivator of the soil 
by the earlier development of facts connected with their several pursuits. 
Minor causes have presented additional obstacles to improvement, A natural 
aversion to change long practiced habits, the power of prejudice, the retired 
life of the farmer — these have conspired, until within a few years, to render 
difficult the diffusion of information. Happily, these obstacles are fading 
before the influences of steam, the railway?, and electric telegraphs. Every 
intelligent man now knows, and feels sensibly, that science makes us more 
expert, skilful, and useful in all works by which we can earn our bread ; and 
experiences a thirst for information, a thirst which has from year to year been 
painfully aggravated by the neglect of our Legislatures to listen to the farmer's 



wants — wants, in the earnest chace of which, "Dream after dream ensues; 
and still we dream that we shall still succeed, and still are disappointed." 

The prediction, in 1800, that the destructive system of the farmer would 
have an end, is now in the course of fulfilment. Efforts were made at various 
periods to rouse the energies of the people to withstand the growing evil of 
exhaustion ; but it was reserved for the farmers of 1840 to remodel, and 
give to the State Agricultural Society a vitality, energy, and influence to 
break up old modes, to weaken long indulged habits of error and prejudice, 
and to draw men from the paths of thought in which they had moved for ages. 

Among the first who stepped forward as benefactors, we find recorded 
on our earliest pages the names of E. P. Prentice, Luther Tucker, 
J. McD. McIntyre, Edward C. Delavan, C. N. Bement, and J. B 
Nott, of this city (Albany); George Vail, Alexander Walsh, and 
H. D. Grove, of Rensselaer; Jeremiah Johnson, of Kings; J. P. Beek- 
MAN,of Columbia; Anthony Van Bergen, of Greene; Robt. Deniston, 
of Orange; Willis Gaylord, M. D. Burnet, and Enoch Marks, of 
Onondaga; B. P. Johnson, of Oneida; J. M. Sherwood, of Cayuga; 
H. S. Randall, of Cortland ; Oliver Phelps and Myron Adams, of 
Ontario; G. V. Sackett, of Seneca; Wm. Garbutt, Rawson Harmon, 
and L. B. Langworthy, of Monroe; James S. Wadsworth, of Living- 
ston; T. C. Peters, of Genesee; Lewis F. Allen, of Erie; and L. A. 
Morrell, of Tompkins.* 

* The Society originated in 1832 — warmed into life by the zeal and energy of a few friends 
of Agriculture. Among them we find the names of 

Le Ray de Chaumont, President. 
E. P. Livingston, 1 

iZTmol^r 11 ' ^-Presidents. 

Robert S. Rose, J 

P. S. Van Rensselaer, Recording Secretary. 

Jesse Buel, Corresponding Secretary. 

Charles R. Webster, Treasurer. 

H. W. Delavan, ) 

John Townsend, ^Executive Committee. 

H. Hickox, ) 

An act of incorporation was granted by the Legislature, in April, 1832 ; but little or no general 
interest was manifested on behalf of Agriculture for many years. 

Judge Buel, with a praiseworthy devotion, established ° The Cultivator" in 1834, as the 
organ of the Society ; and, under its patronage, presented to the farmers of the State many 
important and valuable papers. Judge Buel continued his efforts with unabated zeal until 
his death, in 1839. It is well known among the people of New- York that Governor Clinton 
was an early advocate for the establishment of an Agricultural Society, deeming it one of the 
most efficient aids to develop the agricultural resources of the State. A just tribute was paid 
to Governor Clinton by H. Baldwin, Esq., of Syracuse, during the first Fair held by the 
Society in Central New -York. Mr. Baldwin was himself energetically engaged in promoting 
the objects of the Society at an early day; so also were Hon. S. Van Rensselaer, Judge 
Samuel Cheever, Archibald McIntyre, General J. J. Viele, and many other true and 
zealous friends, whose names do not appear upon the records at the period named in this Address. 



8 

To the energy and well directed efforts of these men, to the spirit derived 
from them by their successors, is due the elastic spring which charac-tci-i - 
our present agricultural endeavors, and whereby the application of science is 
made to impart new views, substantial improvement, renovated farms, and 
remunerating crops. The influences of your Society have given to the farmer 
better hopes; they have opened to his view a new soil, a new power, and a 
new mind, each more perfect for the production of comforts, happiness, and, 
above all, gratitude to the Giver of all good, for the inestimable benefits 
conferred upon us. To your Society, then, and to the intelligent farmers of 
New- York, who seconded its efforts, are we indebted for any recent advance- 
ment and improvement in our agricultural condition. 

Here it may be asked, What advancement, what improvement is noticeable 
and can be claimed for this State, in regard to its cultivation, since 1841 ? 
In reply, let us refer to the census of the United States for 1810, and we 
find the utmost capacity of our systems and modes was the production of 
twelve bushels of wheat from an acre; in 1845, the average product, estab- 
lished by the State census, was fourteen bushels per acre ; and by the United 
States census of 1850, we arrive at an estimated average of thirteen bushels 
per acre, thus exhibiting an improvement, in the article of wheat, of two 
bushels per acre in the last ten years.* This improvement may be more 
apparent when we state that, in 1845, our wheat crops occupied about one 
million of acres ; consequently, the increase, if permanent, is an annual 
gain to the State, in this cereal, of about two millions of dollars. The 

* Average products, &c, in 1845, per State census : 

Wheat, per acre, 14 bushels. 

16 do 

, 26 do 

n do 

25 do 

14 do 

100 pounds. 

90 bushels. 

1825. 1835. 1845. 

Cattle, •■ 1,513,000 1,885,000 2,072,000 

Milch cows, 999,500 

Butter, 79,501,700 

Cheese, 36,744,976 

Horses, 350,000 525,000 505,000 

Sheep, 3,497,000 4,262,000 6,444,000 

Hogs, 1,468,000 1,554,000 1,584,000 

Wool, pounds, 13,864,000 

Population, 2,604,500 

Farmers, 253,300 

Tho U. S. census of 1850, gives to this State 13,000,000 bushels of wheat, and wo safely 
t stiinate the wheat 00168 iit 1,000,000. 



Barley, 


do 


Oats, 


do 


Rye, 


do 


Com, 


do 


Buckwheat, 


do 


Flax, 


do 


Potatoes, 


do 



9 

question, then, as to recent improvement seems to be sufficiently answered,, 
without spreading before you the details of other products. 

Reference having been made to the census of the United States, it may 
be useful to draw attention to a remarkable defect (perhaps we may be par- 
doned for naming it as culpable negligence) in the action of the late session 
of Congress, when settling the form for the census of 1850: all inquiry 
has been omitted as to the quantity of cereal grams produced per acre — a 
fatal blunder in a document of such importance to the nation; a blunder 
depriving us of information in regard to the comparative conditions of one 
of the most valuable sources of the nation's prosperity. This subject is 
worthy of attention, because, although the State of New- York has done much 
to perfect our local statistics, yet much more is needed to bring the benefits 
of this branch of knowledge to the fireside of every farmer, that he may be 
made more familiar with the sources of demand and supply — that labor may 
ascertain the source and just proportion of remuneration, and that values 
may be less fluctuating, and the farmer less exposed to temporary and arti- 
ficial influences upon markets. It is not to be expected that the mass of 
the people — (and remember, that mass is the farming population) — it is not 
expected they will enter into the study of political economy ; for, with 
profound regret I say it, we have been thus far denied the advantages of 
seminaries or colleges appropriated to our uses, and to fit us for such useful 
studies. Yet the day is approaching when the beams of science will enlighten 
in some measure the homestead of every farmer, and his voice will be heard 
within these walls, where it has struggled to assert its just claims ; his mind 
will yet be stored with knowledge in every science and every art, gilding his 
peaceful paths, ornamenting and aiding the pure pursuits of his life, giving 
character to the nation among nations, preserving our highest privileges, 
securing the best enjoyment of man in this world. 

It has been shown that the once fertile soil of this State had been reduced 
to a degree devoid of power to yield remunerating products ; that portions 
of it have been abandoned from time to time to other purposes, until the 
difficulty of procuring subsistence from exhausted farms has called aloud 
for wiser action or some remedial power. We have seen that patriots and 
honored men have stepped forward, and, by combined efforts under your 
State Association, have collected and disseminated knowledge; they became 
the leaders of thought ; they foresaw that new paths of thought must be 
opened, new light diffused, old prejudices eradicated, erroneous practices 
arrested. 

Look back once more upon the condition of this noble State, in the days 
of our fathers ; read the descriptions by its early historians, and we are 

2 



10 

made to know thai it was indeed " a good land — a land of brooks and water, 
of fountains and depths thai spring out of valleys and hills; a land of wheat, 
and barley, and vines; a land of oil, olive, and honey; a land wherein thou 
shall eal bread without scarceness ; thou shalt not lack anything in it ; aland 
whose stores arc iron, and out of whose hills thou mayest dig brass." We 
know how abundantly it responded to the husbandman's labor; and we have • 
seen how it fell off by degrees, from an abuse (and ignorance, probably) of 
the riches and blessings stored in the earth — ignorance, too, of the healing 
and recuperative powers within its bosom. 

Let the meed of praise be awarded to your Association for their efforts to 
restrain the evil, and to open the doors of knowledge to all who would par- 
take ; as far as its power extended this has been freely done, without measure 
or stint ; to this hour its gates have been open to all — widely has it extended 
a hearty invitation to enter, and partake of every benefit and advantage. 
Among the means to effect the great objects in view, the Society has collected 
from the counties of this State, from other States of the Union, and from 
foreign lands, all useful facts for the promotion of Agriculture ; it has en- 
couraged the application of knowledge thus acquired, and, by results, has 
carried conviction to every candid, inquiring mind that the soil possesses 
powers sufficient, when well and properly cultivated ; and that its elements, 
with their distinctive properties and uses, must be comprehended and under- 
stood. If your State Society had made no farther progress, it would have 
been entitled to the people's gratitude ; but it has gone in advance of this 
great work: during the last ten years, it has recorded the facts now stated, 
comprising ten volumes of their Transactions, forming a treasury of agri- 
cultural knowledge, fully explanatory of the application of science to our 
profession, and keeping pace with experiment and discovery from year to 
year. These volumes present to the observing farmer, to the mechanic, to 
the merchant, to the man of science, and to the statesman, matter for thought, 
study, and application. We find on its pages well digested and arranged 
materials in the department of chemistry applied to Agriculture, which, in fact, 
is the cxpositiou of the elements of all matter, wherewith and whereonwe. as 
farmers bestow our labor. Physics, more especially in the division of mechanics, 
as being the right arm of Agriculture, is carefully treated ; natural hist i >r\ . also 
describing natural objects useful or injurious to our profession; w T e find, also, 
extended notices of the products of the State, with their quantities and cost 
of production. In fine, we find in these volumes of Transactions a combina- 
tion of knowledge, exhibiting objects and properties upon which, in a great 
. depend our safety, our comfort, and our enjoyment of life. 

Thus you have before you, in part, the labors of your Association. 



11 

Allusion might be made, with propriety, to the summer and winter exhibitions 
of your Society ; their happy influences, not only as encouraging excellence 
and competition, but as furnishing the means for active exchanges of com- 
modities. These festivals carry with them their own commendation; they 
illustrate the effect of agricultural life upon our character and condition ; 
they are the true World's Fan, giving knowledge of our productions and 
ingenuity to all quarters of the world; inviting commerce to deal with us in 
the useful and essential objects of man's good ; enriching our nation, so that 
" gold is laid up as dust, and the gold of Ophir as the stones of the brooks."* 
May our wise men and rulers never forget that pride and luxury will palsy 
the arm of Agriculture, and bring neglect upon honest labor! may their 
wisdom ever be directed to encourage the useful, without presenting any 
obstacle to the ornamental ! 

While we view the labors of your Society with satisfaction, and acknowledge 
the wisdom of our legislators in causing them to be spread widely among the 
people, we must not, we cannot shut our eyes to the truth, that we are but 
just emerging from dark ignorance ; we must not flatter ourselves that we 
see plainly the broad and shining light of science ; we are but in the shadows 
of the valley ; we see the bright rays darting over the mountain's top into 
the far wilderness, strongly marking its outline, and shedding its genial <riow 
upon us. Who among the sons of men can yet define the cause of the chemical 
differences of matter? Who can declare the temperature of the regions of 
space ? Who can assign a reason for the irregular form of the continents of 
the globe, or for the position of the highest mountains or the lowest valleys ? 
We know the facts, yet the cause is unknown ; we see results, and signs of 
action, yet gather no insight into physical cause. We know the Source of all 
power and might ; we know our duty to reverence and adore that Power — 
humbly and submissively to admit our feebleness, ardently to deserve and to 
desire, more and more, that knowledge which teaches us to avoid error — to 
do right. Our fathers saw clearly and felt that, to enjoy and be worthy of 
civil freedom, we should be prepared by instruction and education to under- 
stand our duties to God and to our neighbor ; to effect this primary object 
they established Common Schools, which, like the stars of heaven, are studding 
our country's surface with precious gems, planting the root of prosperity, 
whose branches will spread till they cover the land. These schools, however, 
are chiefly elementary; they shed a general light, while greater lights are 
needed for the more perfect training of man's intellect. Academies, colleges, 
and universities are these greater lights, attracting all who love and honor 

* The gold introduced into the U. S., in the year 1851., amounts to about fifty millions of 
dollars. 



12 

knowledge ; they are the hallowed spirits watching our destinies, guiding us 
on the road to eternal life, driving for from us the ill omened birds of sadness 
which soar above our heads, and preventing a resting place for them or for 
their dark nestlings. 

None will deny — no American will deny — that ignorance is degrading; 
all feel and admit that our public safety depends on the intelligence of the 
people; hence it is we have adopted systems for the wide diffusion of know- 
ledge, made readily applicable to various positions and duties of life. All 
may see that, in proportion as this diffusion has pervaded the people, so have 
they prospered. So evident and satisfactory has been the result of our 
system, that we must view the mind of any man as insignificant which does 
not esteem education as the best means to preserve us from the deadly 
mischiefs of ignorance, and lead us in the way we should go. Look at 
England, as she stands high amid the nations of the earth, rightfully proud 
of many of the best scholars of the present day as well as the past ; yet, 
with her masses of people untaught and uneducated, they are dependent upon 
foreign nations for sustenance,* and a powerful military array is too often 
needed to check the errors of ignorance. Look at Scotland, once degraded 
in ignorance ; now educated, or possessing and offering the means of educa- 
tion to all her people. Where do we find a poor Scotsman? What nation 
is more proverbial for thrift? The contrast is strong, but true as regards 
the possession or absence of instruction or education. Stronger contrasts 
might be produced by naming continental nations of Europe; but where 
despots and tyrants reign, the people have no share in the blessings of 
knowledge; they have but one short lesson for life, quickly expressed in the 
words "Submission, Obedience" — blind and uncomplaining. How happy, 
how content ought we to be, that Tyranny and Corruption cannot inhabit the 
land where Freedom flourishes ! We forbear comparison with our own 
country; each may do so for himself without self-reproach. 

The legislators of this Empire State, who have occupied these halls, aware 
that their chief duty was to give strength and stability to our institutions, 
have, with commendable zeal and care, provided for the general instruction 
of the people, and by so doing have inculcated an imperishable sympathy — a 

* The Live Stock imported into England from the Continent, in 1S51, consisted of — 

Oxen, Cows, and Calves, 77,700 head 

Sheep, 190,621 « 

Swine, 12,801 «« 

The importation of Wheat, in 1851, exceeded 30 millions of bushels, and was an increase 
on the previous year. 

The import of Indian Corn amounted to 13 millions of bushels. 

The import of Flour was 5,516,004 sacks, equal to over 44 millions of bushels, or near 
8 millions of barrels. 



13 

mutual interest — a personal interest — in all the affairs of the State. Who 
can examine into the expenditure of more than ten millions of dollars, devoted 
by them to our educational system since its establishment, without a thrill of 
joy at the wide-spread benefits, to which each one of us has contributed in 
proportion to our means. What a noble, munificent offering to Mind and its 
cultivation ! yet how insignificant the offering, compared with the gigantic, 
immeasurable results of mind derived, by its means, to benevolence, virtue, 
and science! Look back once more; compare the past and present. In 
1638 a small, glimmering light was seen in the East (in the village of Cam- 
bridge) ; there was seen the first light of its kind in this Western hemisphere ; 
the first printing press owed its existence and erection to Cambridge, in 
Massachusetts ; the next sprang into life in the city of New- York, in 1693 ; 
and the first newspaper printed in America was in 1704. In 1800, we had 
300 printing presses in our Union, printing and publishing a hundred books 
and pamphlets annually; in 1825, six hunched presses were similarly em- 
ployed ; which, in 1830, had increased in number to 1200 improved machines ; 
and, at this day, may be estimated at 2800, sending forth five million 
impressions daily! sending forth every work in literature, science, and the 
arts as rapidly as authors can supply ideas. This power of the press produces 
reaction, and stimulates the mind to greater efforts, exhibiting effects and 
results which almost defy expression. 

Again : in 1793, nineteen colleges existed in the States ; now, we have 
one hundred and twenty, or more. In this State, we had two colleges until 
1812; but four in 1825; at this time we have eleven colleges, with an 
aggregate endowment of more than $1 ,000,000. We have also 204 academies, 
enjoying a fixed capital of $1,700,000. The colleges give instruction to the 
average number of 852* literary students annually, while the academies 
instruct about 18,000 pupils annually. These facts are presented to you 
in detail, purposely, that we may the more distinctly understand the position 
which is presently to be offered. 

Self-love may induce us very complacently to view these advantages, and 
to believe that we are a well instructed people. 'Tis true only by comparison, 
however, with other sections of the world — only by comparing nation with 
nation. Yet our self-esteem is checked when we reflect that all " which 
hath been is now, and that which is to be hath already been ;" that from birth 
every human being travels the same road or bye paths, seeking for informa- 
tion, distinction, and power. The only difference in our favor may be 
attributed chiefly to the art of printing, by which we have multiplied records 
or mementos of that which hath been, allowing to us a longer portion of our 

* The number of children attending the common schools averages 800,000. 



14 

lives for the accumulation of new facts, and, by their use, to establish new 
principles leading to experiment. Who, then, can contemplate the three-fold 
system of education in this State, comprising the common or free schools, 
our academies, and our colleges, filled with the records of the past, — who 
can contemplate them without a high satisfaction as regards the general 
character of our people for virtue and knowledge ? 

With these views and facts spread before you, judge of the condition of 
the farmer of New- York : what participation has he in either branch of our 
noble system, which does or can offer to him instruction necessary for and 
adapted to the perfect understanding of his vocation or profession ? None : 
no, not one exists in this State where a young man can be taught the the< cry 
and practice of Agriculture, fitting him to perform las duties in a perfect 
manner. "Four-fifths of our active population are employed in the cultivation 
of the soil, and the rapid expansion of our settlements over new territory is 
daily adding to the number of those engaged in that vocation. Justice and 
sound policy, therefore, alike require that the Government should use all 
means authorized by the Constitution to promote the interests and welfare of 
this important class of our fellow-citizens. And yet it is a singular fact that, 
whilst the manufacturing and commercial interests have engaged the attention 
of Congress and Legislatures during a large portion of every session, and 
our statutes abound in provisions for their protection and encouragement, 
little has yet been done directly for the advancement of Agriculture. It is 
time that this reproach to our legislation should be removed ; and I sincerely 
hope that the present Legislature will not close their labors without adopting 
efficient means to supply the omissions of those who have preceded them." 

An Agricultural College — charged with the duty of collecting and dis- 
seminating correct information as to the best mode of cultivation, and of the 
most effectual means of preserving and restoring the fertility of the soil, and 
of procuring and distributing seeds and plants and other vegetable produc- 
tions, with instructions in regard to the soil, climate, and treatment best 
adapted to their growth — could not fail to be, in the language of Washing- 
ton, in his last annual message to Congress, a "very cheap instrument, of 
immense national benefit." 

Divinity, Law, Medicine, and Literature have their special colleges; 
surely Husbandry, being based on principles of science, should not be an 
outcast, neglected, abandoned to rise or fall as chance alone may direct. 
No. no ; as cultivators, we need our special institution, to teach us why one 
system of tillage will succeed and another fail; the reasons for such differ- 
ence ; the principles which cause that difference ; and instruct us iu the 
benefits of the one — the loss ever attendant upon the other. We need a 



15 

College, where we can examine systems, theoretically and practically, to 
detect erroneous views — to hold fast on sound practices — to distinguish true 
from false principles. 

Here it may be pertinent to remark that many of us, too often, and 
without consideration, inveigh against theory in Agriculture ; and some men 
inculcate or urge practice as alone sufficient, or as possessing superior claims 
to our attention. This is a mistaken view of the farmer's true position. 
It is erroneoxis as regards every class of men ; it is a contracted view, which 
must prevent or delay all improvement wherever it is held and maintained. 
The hour is too short to present proofs of inimical tendencies of such views 
to our respective farms and occupations ; and must be content with the 
remark that theory is the very starting point of improvement — the con- 
ception of some new principle or action. Practice is no more than a 
repetition of what has been done before, without reference to advance. 

But though we often hear men claim to be altogether practical, and 
seem to flout theory as a misty vapor, yet, where is the practical man so 
dull, so careless of his welfare, so reckless of his duty to his family and his 
country, as not to be a theorist ? Permit me to take from this word an 
evil character, unjustly imposed ; to give to it its fair standing among us, 
that it may not be a stumbling block to those who desire to advance in im- 
provement. Suppose, then, an agriculturist who, for ten years, has closely- 
followed the beaten track of his father ; suppose such a man blessed in full 
measure with a growing family, whose wants necessarily demand a larger 
outlay as years bring on the child towards adolescence ; his farm gives its 
accustomed yield from his accustomed practice, but not now in a ratio with 
the demands of his increasing family; prudence or necessity demands a 
change ; what change ? It matters not ; his mind is roused to do some act 
to increase his store ; that act is by him an innovation ; he has stepped 
beyond old practice ; he becomes, in fact, a theorist, and thus attempts one 
step toward improvement. If his idea or theory proves successful, he adopts 
it, and in time it becomes a habit or practice. Such, then, is the origin of 
all practices or habits; and every farmer who conceives an idea for the 
improvement of his farm, becomes, so far, a theorist. 

It is absurd therefore for us to cling to a notion of being merely practical 
men, as it would doom us, if it were possible, to be left behind in the 
improvement of our farms and the acquisition of a competence. It is con- 
trary to the spirit and to the mind of the American people ; a spirit somewhat 
peculiar — so much so as to need a new term in our language to express it. 
The man whose practice is derived from sound principle, who compares 
results, who refuses to be an imitator — such a man must ever combine 



16 

theory and practice ; he becomes, of necessity, expert and dexterous ; he is 
intelligent, and is generally far, far more successful than the restrictive and 
merely practical man, who is sometimes, though now rarely, appealed to. 

This distinction of terms ought to be better and more extensively 
understood among us farmers ; for in truth, every intelligent, thinking 
cultivator is and must be theoretical and practical, and is or ought to 
be thankful to his Creator for giving him a power or capacity worthy of 
the position. 

We need a College, to promote substantially the progress of Agriculture, 
as connected with the prosperity of the State. We need a College, because 
the principles of farming are intimately connected with science ; our prac- 
tical farming, our daily work, needs a large acquaintance with chemistry, 
anatomy, botany, physiology, mineralogy, climatology, zoology ; neither can 
we be perfect masters of our work without some branches of mathematics. 
Many of these divisions of knowledge are well taught in some of our schools 
and academies. True, and they serve as an initiation to science ; but we 
need an institution of a higher character — one devoted to the investigation 
of the sciences connected with Agriculture — able and ready at all times to 
give their results to every farmer and to every farmer's son. We need a 
College, because Agriculture demands appliances, extensive and various, for 
our uses — far, very far too large to form a branch or mere adjunct to another 
institution — and because our interests are sufficiently important to demand 
and occupy a college and farm consecrated to our objects and pursuits. 
Again: we need a College, because experience has for ages proved that art 
and science, as taught in all our colleges — that association with students of 
other pursuits, ever have attracted and drawn away our agricultural youth 
into other paths. In the present state of society, this is an inevitable evil ; 
the causes have been already glanced at, and may not be remedied in our 
day. Another consideration may be offered, in the need that our farmers 
may ever find themselves like other classes of our citizens, equal in intelli- 
gence and knowledge with those of all foreign nations. Yet see how far 
short of means we are, as compared with some parts of Europe : 

Agricultural Schools in Great Britain, 70 

" " in France, 75 

" " in Prussia, 32 

" " in Austria 33 

in Russia, 68 

And the State of New- York, Not one ! 

The effect of these European institutions is, excellent tillage, the appearance 
of fertility, and high cultivation. 



17 

We are warned, by the experience of foreign efforts, that agricultural schools 
have not been efficient without the aid of government ; and we may reasonably 
suppose the abortive attempts in this country suffered from want of power. 
It seems conceded, also, that agricultural societies, though productive of great 
public good, cannot diffuse the details of knowledge needful for the farmer. It 
has been proved also that theories must be tested by practice ; and such as are 
not well sustained by practice must be rejected. All primary schools and acade- 
mies have proved insufficient in Europe for agricultural education, though they 
have been found good auxiliaries in preparing pupils for the main institutions. 
It has been well established, also, that two classes of students, having no con- 
cert of action as equals, and no sympathy for each other, cannot harmonize in 
the same establishment ; one will obtain a precedence injurious to the other. 

With necessity for a college pressing hard upon us — with the experience 
of Europe before us, to avoid their errors and adopt their wisdom — why do 
we hesitate? Why, from year to year, do we "drop our buckets into empty 
wells, and growing old in drawing nothing up ?" The farmers of New- 
York have again and again knocked at the doors of these halls in vain. 
For what have they asked ? Not for a monopoly, not for protection, not for 
any undue advantage. No, no ; the farmer would not deign to ask, he does 
not need, any such unjust aid ; but he does ask; and claims, an equal par- 
ticipation with all classes of citizens in educational means, that he may, with 
equal alacrity, with equal skill, perform his duty to the State. 

An error of magnitude, as it seems to me, has pressed like an incubus 
on the movements for an agricultural college — the unnecessary magnitude 
and expense of the systems proposed ; systems rather fitted to gratify vanity 
than to produce effective good. Stone palaces, sumptuous halls, and the 
elegancies of life have no natural or necessary connection with agricultural 
improvement ; on the contrary, luxury, when attached to the farmer's estab- 
lishment, is like a parasite, fawning but to destroy. Many who cheerfully 
contribute large amounts to the support of the State revenues, have viewed, 
with regret proposals for profuse expenditures, being well persuaded that 
moderate appropriations, discreetly applied, will prepare the foundation of an 
institution with a suitable superstructure, adequate to our wants, fulfilling every 
needful purpose, an ornament to our State, a means of wealth to the people. 
Such an institution might furnish knowledge of every principle upon which 
productive cultivation depends ; might develop new principles, explain and! 
illustrate them, not by theory only, but by every practical operation, always 
reducing theory to practice. Such an institution may not educate an ornamental 
man, as such only ; for the hand must be taught to labor, while the mind is 
taught to perceive, to remember, and to combine facts for useful purposes. 

3 



19 

Give to the agriculturist such an institution, and every acre of the State 
will yield an increase; waste places and unwholesome swamps will disappear; 
instead of emigrating to dull prairie lands, where wholesome wheat cannot 
be grown, our farmers will cling with affection to the homes of their fathers; 
population will increase; demand will increase; wealth will increase; and 
Agriculture will stand side by side, co-equal, with any and every other art 
or science — honored and esteemed by all. 

Feebly as I have treated this important theme, may it be kindly received 
and considered by all who feel an interest in the welfare of their State and 
Nation ! I invoke for this great object the careful action of every County 
Society ; I ask for it the close and careful investigation and zealous support 
of every farmer who desires the improvement of his estate; of every man, 
of whatever vocation, who truly loves his country. 

And now, gentlemen of the Society, my brief term has expired — a term 
full of pleasant incidents and associations, never to be forgotten ; and to 
your prompt aid, sound advice, and better experience do I attribute all that 
is worthy of commendation throughout the year. My last act is one of 
unmingled pleasure — an act which I doubt not will raise your Society still 
higher in the confidence of our brother farmers and of the whole people ; 
I now introduce to you Henry Wager, your President elect. 

In conclusion, let me urge you to greater efforts — to pursue a wise and 
temperate policy — a steady, onward action — in which all may plainly discover 
the high motive of preserving what is good, by reforming in time what is 
evil ; thus you will from year to year bequeath to your successors an institu- 
tion unimpaired, and which, by the blessing of God, will entitle you to the 
gratitude of men, of the State, and of the Nation. 



ADDRESS 

ON 

presenting ttjc ffltMs of % Society to its Members 

WHO RECEIVED AWARDS AT THE 

GREAT EXHIBITION IN LONDON. 

BY THE PRESIDENT, J. DELAFIELD 



Gentlemen, — When the invitation from Britain's Queen reached our 
shores to send the works of our ingenuity and industry for exhibition in 
London, and in competition with like works from other parts of the world, 
the first impression on my mind was adverse to the proposition. This im- 
pression originated probably from recollections of the state of art and science 
and the condition of society in that country, during a residence of several 
years. Aware, also, of the difficulties to be encountered from the impracti- 
cability of any well arranged system or unity of action among our several 
States, a faint hope only was indulged that we could return from the World's 
Fair either gratified or satisfied. Viewing the mighty effort, at this day — its 
.termination and recorded awards — the wonderful display of art, of skill, and 
of labor — the question may be entertained whether a preponderance of good 
or evil is to flow from the influences of the well intended undertaking. 
Honor and praise are justly due to Britain's Boyal Prince for the conception 
and accomplishment of the vast design; a design of benevolence and good 
will to the human race. It is yet too early for any decided benefits or ad- 
vantages to be manifest ; neither has time elapsed sufficient to develop the 
influences fondly entertained by many. 

Two distinct characteristics seem to have stamped their features on the 
Industrial Exhibition. The one is Utility, displayed in objects designed 
to promote the sustenance, the comforts, and the happiness of man ; the other 
is Ornament and Luxury, chiefly combined to stimulate and gratify the 
senses. 



20 

The first character, Utility, was a distinctive feature in the productions 
contributed by the United States; while Luxurious Ornament highly dis- 
tinguished the productions from Europe and from Asia. 

If these distinctions are true, they are portentous as to the future ; and 
we may well rejoice that our countrymen — that you, gentlemen, who are to 
receive an honorable distinction for talent devoted to Utility, belong to and 
are identified with the class of benefactors of the human race. 

In all nations there are persons who, unhappily for themselves, disregard 
knowledge; who, having but little information, are content to live and labor 
under every disadvantage. They never rise above their fellows; for, as 
neither pleasure nor profit can be derived from them, they are compelled 
to labor generally with strong application of physical force, but none of 
mind ; they have no idea of the value of knowledge, and the paths it opens 
to honor and wealth. This remark occurs to me as I view this mass of 
Essex county ore:* it is the rich and valuable ore, taken from the mountain 
masses belonging to the "Adirondac Iron and Steel Company." I have 
somewhere met with an apt illustration of the deficiency of knowledge, and 
the benefits of its due application, as evidenced in the proprietors of the 
Adirondac Company.! Thus, the man who disregards knowledge "would 
deny stoutly the existence of a knife blade in this mass of iron ore ; yet there 
it certainly is — there it lies, where no labor can draw it forth in the present 
condition of this ore. Turn this mass, shape it as you will, it is neither 
knife, nor steel, nor is it iron ; it is but ore. Fashion this ore as you may, 
it will not cut as well as the shell of an oyster ; it needs knowledge to 
separate the iron from other matter ; labor will not separate it, more readily 
than it will cause wheat to grow productively on a naked granite rock. We 
need to know that heat, intense heat alone, will separate the parts and give 
us iron. Yet heat alone will not give up the knife blade ; other substances 
must be added to the ore to allow the iron to run as a liquid, escaping from 
all impurities. Yet this iron will not give up the knife blade ; by other 
results of knowledge it (the iron) must become steel — steel of a peculiar 
property, and requiring niceties in the process which study and knowledge 
alone can give : it is from this steel the knife blade is derived. What an 
amount of thought, invention, and machinery is necessary to produce so 
simple a thing as a shilling knife ! All the strength of all the men that 
ever lived could never extract a knife blade from this mass of ore !" And 
when at last the knife blade is brought forth, it may be asked with much 
concern whether it is now worth the handle, seeing the cost, the wear and 
tear of mind, of body, and of time consumed in its production. This ques- 



• This ore has 70 per cent, of iron. f "The Results of Machinery." 



21 

tion is not to be solved, as is sometimes attempted, by speculative theory or 
forced expedients ; the quantum of demand, in fair, free, open competition, 
must decide it. 

We are said to be a whittling nation ; knife blades are therefore in demand. 
This pleasurable amusement, creating a demand for blades, has so sharpened 
*ew wits and extended our knowledge, that we now can reach the blade fitted 

r whittling, and blades for all cutting implements, with a comparative 
conomy, securing to the maker a sufficient compensation. But whittling 
jlades are luxuries, not necessaries of life, and the production may be pushed 
too far, like many other non-essential objects; or some clever neighbor may 
exceed us in knowledge, and apply a process whereby he can afford to supply 
blades, undermining our accustomed profits. This, however, is the result of 
competition ; it arises from the natural, legitimate, and noble contest for the 
acquisition and application of knowledge, compelling us to keep pace with 
improvement, or to apply the share of knowledge we do possess to such 
objects as from utility or ornament are in request, or to seek some other 
mode of life better suited to our talent. 

As a farmer, these truths are always before me as applicable to our calling, 
whether as to making of knife blades or steam engines — cotton goods or 
woolen fabrics. It is now quite apparent that when my neighbor applies 
more knowledge to his soil than I do, he produces greater quantities of wheat 
or grass from an acre; and thus, wide awake, his profits increase while mine 
may recede. So again, like the manufacturers, we may collectively produce 
more wheat than is demanded for a season, and the value falls below our 
accustomed prices and wishes ; we cultivate less, and in a year find ourselves 
reinstated in profits ; if not, we turn to other grains or other objects connected 
with the necessities of life, and never fail, in any series of years, to find all 
that our reasonable wishes may require. Repining or complaining is of no 
avail ; any endeavor to interfere with the free action of near or distant 
neighbors, with a hope of forcing better results to our own mismanaged or 
ill-judged proceedings, is ungenerous, unjust, and unworthy — ever tending 
to enmity, to the benefit of the few, and disadvantage of the many. These 
views naturally arise, when contemplating the successful organization of 
associations in our State, entering boldly into competition with the manufac- 
tures of other nations. It is a proud triumph for our industry and sagacity ! 
Years of success have enriched our Eastern neighbors in various departments ; 
nor are we behind our brethren in the application of industry, where circum- 
stances demand its use and capital finds a safe return by its investment. 
We have an illustration in the movement to produce steel, of unsurpassed 
excellence or qualities, from the mountains of iron ore within our borders. 



22 

To the Adirondac Company belongs the honor of establishing, as I am in- 
formed, the first successful manufacture of cast steel in the 1 nitcd States, and 
I believe it stands alone and unrivalled in this very important business. With 
a stock recently on hand consisting of 300 tons of bar iron, 400 tons of pig 
metal, 120 tons of cast steel in ingots, 50 tons of finished cast steel, 100 
tons of quarried iron ore, 'and other property, valued at one million of dollars, 
this association presents to us extraordinary features of utility and power/ 

Its products were exhibited at the World's Fair, arranged in section No. 1, 
Glass Xo. 1, and for their excellence received from the Commissioners a 
Prize Medal. 

To you, sir, (A. E. Brown, Esq.,) as representing the Adirondac Iron 
and Steel Company, I now have the pleasure to present the Gold Medal 
of the New- York State Agricultural Society, pursuant to a resolution of the 
executive board, passed on the 9th day of May last. Tour association is 
also entitled to the Society's Silver Medal, for the honorable mention 
bestowed on your cast iron and steel by the Royal Commissioners : it affords 
me much pleasure to present to you this additional testimonial of excellence. 

Following the order of the sections and classes of the Industrial Exhibition, 
we find a display of American wheat, presented by Mr. Thomas Bell, of 
Westchester; another prepared by General Rawson Harmon, of Monroe; 
and one other by Mr. William Hotciikiss, of Lewiston; and thirty 
varieties of Indian corn, exhibited by Mr. B. B. Kirtland, of Rensselaer. 

These varieties of our wheat and corn were arranged in the Crystal Palace, 
among the vegetable and animal products in use as human food. As wheat 
forms the principal nutritious food of the world, claiming the industrious 
application of labor over the greater part of Europe, throughout the tem- 
perate regions of Asia, along the northern kingdoms of Africa, and extending 
far into the northern and southern regions of the American continents ; as it 
has been cultivated from time immemorial, and has produced in various 
climates and soils many varieties; it is surprising that so little is generally 
known of the distinct varieties best adapted to particular climates — it is sur- 
prising that in Great Britain, in our own country and State, we are yet to learn 
the variety which will yield the greatest and best amount of human food ! 

At the Industrial Exhibition, twenty-six premiums only wen 1 distributed 
for specimens of wheat ; of these, five were awarded to British farmers, 
three to France, three to Russia, three to Australia, three to the United 
States, and one each, or severally, to other nations. We have reason to 



• See pamphlet, entitled " Advantages of the Works and Peoperty of the Adirondae Iron 
and Steel Company, for the Manufacture of Cast Steel." Ac., Ac. 



23 

believe that, among the varieties sent from this State, one or more were in 
all respects equal to the best specimen exhibited at the World's Fair. 

To Mr. Thomas Bell, of Westchester, much praise is due for zeal and 
care in presenting fine specimens of wheat from this State. 

To General Rawson Harmon, of Western New-York, this Society has 
often been indebted for his careful attention to the cultivation and production 
of many excellent varieties of wheat. To each of you, gentlemen, the 
Society presents a Gold Medal, in commemoration of services calculated to 
extend a better knowledge of our much loved State and increase the means 
of comfort to man. 

To Mr. Wm. Hotchkiss, the Society is also indebted for his attention to 
this important division of our agricultural cares. To you, sir. the Society 
has the pleasure to present its Silver Medal, in consideration also of the 
honorable mention of the wheat exhibited by you at the Industrial Exhibition. 

Though wheat is characterised as the most nutritious food for man in all 
quarters of the world, yet the Indian corn crop of the United States is not 
second in value to any product of the earth, cultivated in the Middle and 
Eastern States of our nation ; nay, even in the rich cotton growing States, 
Indian corn is fast rising in importance, and will soon equal in value that 
important commercial product. This indigenous grain yields to the nation 
an annual average amount of Jive hundred millions of bushels ; and has, 
within the last five years, attracted much attention as a life-sustaining food, 
more particularly at the period of Ireland's severe suffering, in 1847 and 
following years. Nations, as well as statesmen and farmers, have found it 
an object worthy of their consideration and esteem. Among the objects of 
interest exhibited as adapted as human food, were thirty-four varieties of 
Indian corn, presented by Mr. B. B. Kirtland, of Cantonment Farm, in 
Greenbush — an exhibition far more important, of greater value and true 
interest, than the famed diamond, (Koh-i-Noor,) or all the jewels of every 
European crown. To you, sir, (Mr. Kirtland,) the Society presents this 
Silver Cup, richly merited, not only because of the honor you have received 
from the Royal Commissioners, but also for your unwearied zeal as a mem- 
ber of the State Agricultural Society : though unconnected with the matter 
before us, I cannot resist this latter allusion. 

Among the various products which received honorable mention from the 
judges in London were specimens of flax and hemp, presented by Mr. E. 
R. Dix, of Oneida. Both are objects of interest and importance to some 
of the States of the Union. Recent discoveries in the art of reducing the 
vegetable fibre to a condition for easy manufacture, have drawn additional 
interest to these substances. Believing, as I do, that the soil of this State- 



24 

is to be better and more profitably employed in the production of vegetable 
matters more congenial to its elements and climatic influences, it 'will probably 
happen that the valuable and highly important recent discoveries will carry 
wealth and honor to more western regions, while our expert manufacturers 
will derive from them no less important advantages. To you, sir, (Mr. E. 
R. Dix,) the Society presents its Silver Medal, and rejoices in your success- 
ful efforts. 

It must be within the recollection of many when a concert of musical 
instruvients was rare ; when song was only known by a simple ballad in 
sweet melody; when the attempt to execute a concerto was fatal to the 
character of the composer, whether it was Haydn, Mozart, or Rossini; 
the very attempt was barbarous, and the result was murderous. The ill- 
proportioned harpsichord, no longer seen, the tinkling spinnett, or the 
imperfect, small square piano, were the instruments, with few exceptions, 
in the saloons of the wealthy, and in the parlors of those who aimed at the 
luxuries and refinements of life. They were costly luxuries; too costly to 
admit the application of perfected talent. 

How changed our condition ! Years have vanished like moments ; for 
now, from the gilded halls of city wealth and rich refinement to the wilder- 
ness where yet prowls the wolf, sweet sounds are heard; Europe's best 
talent and most gifted powers seek eagerly our shores, and find a welcome 
amid admiring millions — all conversant with song ; many, very many, adepts 
in the science of sound and of harmony. In our cities, villages, and 
hamlets, all do honor alike the precious gift. Again and again it has 
happened, as the Western traveller threaded his almost pathless track amid 
the forests — mile after mile adding weariness to fatigue — hour after hour, 
nay, whole days, wasting away without the cheer of a human voice — suddenly, 
when even Hope had become faint, he descried in the shadows of evening 
the dingy form of a rude log cabin ; his ears were startled by well executed 
passages from pages of classic music, and the sweet cadences of perfect 
melody. From North to South, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, the charms 
and delights of music are discoverable. 

But yet another extraordinary change has recently occurred : Mr. J. 
Pirsson, of New- York, presented for exhibition a piano at the World's Fair, 
made in this country, made by native hands ; this piano was offered in com- 
petition with the science, and ages of experience, in the Old World ; the pupils 
of a few years' growth vieing with pupils in the home of science ! To you, sir. 
(Mr. Pirsson,) the Society gladly awards a Silver Medal, for the skill and 
talent whereby an instrument of American manufacture has drawn forth the 
honorable mention of the British Commissioners of the Crystal Palace. 



25 

And now we turn from thoughts, soothing and pleasurable, to an object — 
important, 'tis true — an object, foreign to the eye of most who are here 
present ; an object, the sight of which carries a chill to the heart, beating 
back the warm blood ; an object, which I have no ability to treat with the 
encomium due to its merits. 

It has been said that the medical profession is " a melancholy attendance 
on misery ;" and again, with more truth, that " the educated physician is 
ever great in liberality, dignified in sentiment, prompt in beneficence, ready 
to exert a lucrative art where no hope of gain exists." So far as our 
individual experience is a test, this declaration is doubtless true in all its 
force ; and Ave may add, that the best sympathies of nature are his daily 
attendants, often performing an effective share of relief, where knowledge 
and art have ceased their aid. There is, however, another class of men 
alive to human woe, whose skill in mechanism entitles them to rank among 
the benefactors of their race, and, by the happy application of that skill, 
pointing to a position having a connecting link with those men (physicians 
and surgeons) whose habits lead pre-eminently to the indulgence of deep and 
comprehensive thought. 

These remarks, thus connected, are brought to the mind by the award of 
a Prize Medal by the Royal Commissioners of the World's Fair to our 
countryman, Mr. B. F. Palmer, for an artificial limb — a work of art 
approaching, as I am informed, a symmetry of form equal to the models of 
ancient or modern sculpture ; possessing, as a mechanism, a beauty of action 
and a finish hitherto unapproached, and, as an object of utility, to be 
appreciated as it deserves only by those who need the aid of this ingenious 
work. 

It is stated that four hundred persons have found ease, comfort, and 
power of exertion by this invention — a number so limited as to distinguish 
Mr. Palmer for the liberality and beneficence which have been described as 
among the happy attributes of educated men ; the love of gain can hardly 
exist where the means of so great benefits are within so small a circle. 

To you, Mr. Palmer, we have the satisfaction of presenting the Gold 
Medal of this Society as a testimony of your skill, and your benevolence to 
man — for their successful application in alleviating misfortune, and restoring 
comfort and usefulness to suffering humanity. 

Among objects not likely to attract the eye, there rested a pile of blocks 
in the American department, unattractive except to the man of science and 
the educated mechanic ; they were specimens of American Woods — blocks 
of American forest trees, selected on the Pellham estate, in Ulster county, 
the highly cultivated residence of Mr. Robert Livingston Pell. 

4 



26 

It has been said that, of all the productions of the earth, wheat is the 
most important for the sustenance of man ; and here we may add, that of 
all the vegetable productions, the various woods of the forest are no less 
important and essential for man's uses and purposes. The consumption of 
our forests exceeds probably the limit of all present estimates. Their value 
seems to be appreciated by few ; yet they are well known to the naturalist, 
and to those who inhabit the regions of peculiar products. 

In all ages, man has been pleased with the bright or the strongly contrasted 
colored woods : the temple at Jerusalem was covered with cedar, the palaces 
of Europe are ornamented with strong-grained oak, the residences of our 
people are beautified with the maple, the walnut, and the oak of our forests, 
as well as the mahogany, the sandal wood, the rosewood, and others of foreign 
climes. 

A single instance of the value of wood, for man's pleasure, will not fail to 
obtain attention; I allude to the sale of three logs of mahogany, some years 
ago, to the Messrs. Broadwoods, of London. These logs were fifteen feet 
long, by three feet thick — to possess which, the Broadwoods paid the sum 
of three thousand pounds sterling, or about fifteen thousand dollars. 

Well may the too rapid destruction of our forests demand more careful 
consideration, to arrest the seeming wanton destruction and waste of millions 
in amount of valuable property ; the day is approaching when the waste of 
wood may be felt as a national concern. 

The specimens presented by Mr. Pell were seen, examined, and appreci- 
ated by many persons from the European continent ; and, as an illustration 
of the interest produced, it may be stated, that a gentleman of France, 
connected, I believe, with the delegation from that country, came from the 
Exhibition to this country for the purpose of visiting Mr. Pell, and to 
purchase the collection of specimens then in the Palace. Others, however, 
had previously applied for them, and Mr. Pell had presented them to the 
Royal Commissioners. 

In these specimens of our forest woods we have another instance of 
characteristic utility, as applicable to the American department. To Mr. 
Pell are we indebted for opening more widely the door to a knowledge of 
our forests ; and I feel, sir, (to Mr. Pell) much pleasure in presenting to 
you, on behalf of the New- York State Agricultural Society, their Silver 
Medal, as an additional token of merit to the honorable mention of your 
woods transmitted to you from the Royal Commissioners of the Industrial 
Exhibition. 

In the departments of mechanics and machinery, our State has much 
cause for satisfaction. Ingenuity and expertness are almost proverbially 



27 



connected with the American mechanic and artizan; and though but few 
specimens were sent from this country to the Great Fair, yet of and amono- 
the few was Lerow & Blodget's sewing machine— a machine which 
obtained one of the Prize Medals. The saving of labor effected by this 
ingenious mechanism may be -comprehended, when it is known, that ten 
trowsers can be made or six coats may be sewed together, by this machine in 
one day, under the guidance of a young girl ; and I am informed, that a 
factory in New- York turns out three hundred trowsers per day, well made in 
all respects. To you, gentlemen, (Lerow & Blodget,) the Society now 
presents its Golden Medal, congratulating you upon your successful ingenuity. 

The accuracy and excellence of Tools, made in this State, have attracted 
admiration. All who attended the late Fair at Rochester will remember the 
display of edged and other tools by D. R. Barton & Co., and W. W. 
Bryan, of Rochester, and by L. & J. White, of Buffalo ; but American 
ingenuity, in this department, seemed most conspicuous at the World's Fair 
in the varied forms and excellence of agricultural tools and implements. 
These were exhibited in an extensive variety by Messrs. A. B. Allen & Co. 
of New- York, and their merit was acknowledged by an honorable mention 
of their valuable display. 

The perfect construction of agricultural tools comes closely home to the 
farmer's sympathy ; for, though toil is not unpleasant, and his labors are 
ever beginning and never ending, he hails with joy every advance or improve- 
ment presented by the ingenious mechanic, in the hope that the hio-h value of 
labor may not hereafter demand so large a share of his hard earned income.* 

The neat and light, as well as accurately made tools and implements 
presented by the Messrs. Allen, did not fail to meet the approbation of 
many, and to obtain from the Judges of the Exhibition their honorable 
mention; in further commemoration of the event, I have the pleasure to 
present to them the Silver Medal of the New-York State Agricultural 
Society. 

Among all the implements known and prized by the farmer, the Plow is 
the chief; it is the only implement by means of which a thorough farm tillage 
can be accomplished. Without it, the merchant's occupation would be of 
little comparative worth, the artist would sigh for patronage, science would 
languish, and man be compelled to forego much of the comfort, luxury, and 
enjoyment he now commands. But fifty years ago the plow, like other 
implements, was a rough, imperfect tool ;t hard, indeed, was the plowman's 

* In this State, the farm laborer receives about 25 to 27 per cent, of the income of the farm. 
In Great Britain, he receives about 21 6-100 per cent, of the value of the products. 
f Antique plows may be seen in the Agricultural Rooms. 



28 

task, and at best his work was little worth. Within twenty years this 
implement has been brought to great perfection ; it is now moulded and 
shaped to meet our almost every need, to perfect tillage for every want. 
We may not doubt that further improvements will soon be made ; yet, 
when we examine the plow made by Prout.y & Mears, Boston, it seems 
bold to challenge improvement. The admirable work performed with this 
plow by American farmers has satisfied every wish, and the Prize Medal 
which it has secured in Great Britain presents the strongest proof of its 
estimation in that country. 

To you, gentlemen, (Messrs. Prouty & Mears,) I have the pleasure to 
present this Gold Medal, on behalf of the New- York State Agricultural 
Society, and to assure you of the satisfaction felt in the success which has 
attended the efforts of your skill and ingenuity. 

During a long series of years the farmers of Europe, and more especially 
of Great Britain, and their skilful mechanics, have diligently applied their 
inventive powers to the construction of a Machine for Reaping Grain. 
The fickle climate of the British Isles has ever kept the minds of their 
husbandmen vibrating between fear and hope through the seasons of harvest ; 
a machine, therefore, to save time and labor in reaping, has been anxiously 
sought to displace the sickle, which to this day is in general use, except 
perhaps in Berwickshire and a few other localities, where an ill-contrived 
scythe and demi-cradle have been used. In 1815, Mr. Smith, of Dean- 
stone, made an abortive attempt at construction ; he was followed by Mr. P. 
Bell, who was also unsuccessful ; others followed, from year to year, with 
no better results. In this country, Wilson's machine was for a short time 
used on the banks of the Hudson river, but gave way, in 1836, to Hussey's 
admirable, simple, and durable reaper — a machine now extensively used in 
this and in other States. In 1843* Mr. McCormick perfected his now 
popular machine, which, at the Industrial Exhibition, in London, has 
obtained the approbation of agriculturists, who tested its powers and 
properties under many adverse circumstances, and yielded to it their 
admiration and prompt adoption. 

To Mr. McCormick has been awarded one of the highest honors granted 
by the Royal Commissioners of the Great Fair — the Council Medal. It 
is an honor, sir, (Mr. McCormick,) of which you may be justly proud ; 
for your skill and talent have given to the world an implement or machine 
of rare utility, contributing largely to the general character of most American 
objects presented for the world's examination; its character of usefulness to 

• Mr. McCormick claims the date of his invention in 1831. Vide Minor's Mechanics' 
Magazine, 1834. 



29 

man directly aiding in the supply of sustenance at a reduced cost, and 
indirectly increasing his comforts and welfare. 

The executive board of the New- York State Agricultural Society, and 
every member of the Association, must experience pleasure of no ordinary 
degree in witnessing the expert application of the mechanic arts, their 
properties and powers, to objects closely allied to the high calling of the 
farmer ; they rejoice in your success, and hail it, together with other im- 
portant and successful objects now presented here for their commendation 
and reward, as a proof that the bright dawn of knowledge is darting its rays 
over this agricultural nation. As an evidence of their satisfaction, and on 
their behalf, I present to you the Gold Medal of the Society. 

The advance of science has recently brought to our knowledge the prepara- 
tion and use of an article not only important as food, but also essential in 
the arts. We have had occasion to mention the high value of the Indian 
corn, and we might with advantage allude to many of its uses and properties ; 
at present we must confine our remarks to a new product from this valuable 
grain, known as Corn Starch, and yet another, as the Fecula op Maize. 
It was in the winter of 1849-'50 that Mr. Willard and his associates, of 
Auburn, established extensive works at Oswego for the preparation of these 
important products — an establishment covering an area of 49,000 square 
feet. As the proprietors have to some extent held unrcvealed the process 
by which they produce a starch more pure than the starch of commerce, we 
may not indulge in speculative curiosity ; yet we can hardly doubt their 
great success is mainly attributable to perfect machinery, guided by science 
and talent.* The rapid and extended demand for these new products presents 
sufficient evidence of their character ; as we are told that about three millions 
of pounds of this corn starch are demanded annually by the trade, notwith- 
standing the usual supply of wheat starch is undiminished. A remarkable 
feature of corn starch is the absence of impurities ; upon being subjected to 
analysis, it is found that only 2tVo parts in 1000 are of other matter than 
pure starch. According to Ure, wheat yields only thirty-five to forty per 
cent, of good starch, a material extensively used in arts and manufactures. 
In addition to starch, the Oswego Starch Factory produces from 
Indian corn a fecula peculiarly adapted to culinary purposes, presenting to 
our domestic economy one of the most acceptable, pure, and nutritious 
articles of food. Already has it become an indispensable household article, 
and is consumed largely at home and abroad. The factory, though in its 
infancy, consumes annually 150,000 bushels ot corn, equal to about nine 

• Messss. T. Kingsford & Son have the entire charge of the preparation and manufacture 
of the articles from the Oswego Starch Factory. 



30 

millions of pounds in weight. Hitherto, the quantities of starch used for 
Laundry purposes and in our manufactories have heen produced from costly 
wheats; though it may be found In many vegetable substances, such as 
potatoes, the horse chestnut, and other seeds. In England, where bread 
stuffs, particularly wheat, have been raised in quantities inadequate to the 
demand for food, attempts have been made to convert the viscid matter of 
liohejis into a gum for the use of calico printers, paper makers, ink makers — 
for the stiffening of silks, crapes, and the endless variety of dry goods, which, 
by means of these gums or starch, are made to appear of greater consistency. 
Must of these attempts had partial success; yet the making of starch from 
wheat has not been arrested. 

The Oswego Starch Factory has happily introduced the use of Indian 
corn, as a grain producing a larger proportion of pure amylaceous properties 
than any other known vegetable substance ; proffering to the American 
manufacturer another economic advantage, sustaining in a most legitimate 
manner sound rivalry and competition with all the world. 

I am not aware whether the Oswego Factory has converted its starch into 
gum — a process easily accomplished by heat, and thus rendered soluble in 
cold water, which cannot be done while in its condition of starch. Here is 
another result of vast importance derivable from our Indian corn ; and we 
can well conceive that, in a short period of time, the advantages now derived 
from the production of corn starch may grow into a national benefit. 

To Dr. Willard and his associates of the Oswego Starch Factory we 
feel unfeigned pleasure in the presentation of this Golden Medal, for the 
merit of perfecting an establishment of so great importance as the Oswego 
Starch Factory, and for the credit conferred on your State by deserving and 
obtaining the Prize Medal from the Commissioners and Judges of the Indus- 
trial Exhibition. We feel, sir, an equal degree of satisfaction in presenting 
this Silver Medal to your association, in testimony of our estimation of your 
second product, the fecula of maize, for which you received honorable mention 
from the Judges of the World's Fair. 

Gentlemen, — For many ages man depended more on physical force, and 
less upon knowledge. They knew but little of the properties of matter or 
of the laws which govern motion. Industry was inculcated, force was en- 
couraged, patience coveted, and, with these attributes, he effected his 
desires — desires necessarily restricted, and demanding much self denial, 
because these attributes could never accomplish the frequent repetition of 
his wishes. In this our day, knowledge excites to experiment, and art, 
springing from science, creates new wants; these wants, acting upon our 
inventive genius, give the means for supply; thus, like the reciprocating 



31 

action of a perfect machine, the power and effect are in due proportion. 
Increasing or accumulating results are ever creating a necessity for power — 
for a greater supply to meet a greater demand. 

If an opinion may be hazarded thus early as to the effects of the Industrial 
Exhibition, seen at this distance, it may not, as before intimated, be as 
favorable to the progress of man's happiness as has been fondly anticipated 
by many ; because art has been stimulated chiefly in the production of articles 
which minister to luxury, to ornament, and to the non-essentials of truth 
and virtue in a people ; and excess of luxury has never failed to bring distress 
upon the earth, upon nations as well as individuals. The remark is true, 
that " as the mind is enlightened it becomes more dignified;" but, if the 
mind submits to the enervating influences of ease and luxury, its vigor 
fails — its powers become latent. 

In connection with these observations, we may notice the character of 
nations, as displayed in their respective offerings at the "World's Fair. True, 
the highest effort of mind was there ; the vigor of British intellect was con- 
spicuous — European skill displayed the most surprising efforts of ingenuity — 
and Asiatic art secured the attention of admiring crowds. Our countrymen, 
in plain and simple forms, presented offerings whereby man should be 
sustained and his every essential want gratified ; while no unnecessary or 
enervating appetite or desire was kindled, encouraged, or gratified. The 
unalloyed happiness of the human family seemed to be the aim of American 
effort — nearly all, possessing a magic influence, leading by their powers to 
wealth, fame, and honor. It may be said also that the offerings from the 
United States exhibited a combination of theory and practice, proving 
(with few exceptions) that science and experiment go hand in hand ; repress- 
ing the bold presumption of mere enthusiasts, who would direct all things 
by their crude, abstract, and ill digested notions. 

As the "end of all science is to enrich human life with useful inventions 
and arts,"* we have reason to rejoice in the skill of our fellow citizens, as 
recently displayed and rewarded in Great Britain ; we have reason to rejoice 
in the elevation of mind derived from study, as well as from the practical 
operations of the factory or work shop ; we have reason to rejoice in the 
advance of knowledge in our happy and favored land. While thus rejoicing, 
let us not expose ourselves to the errors of self sufficiency and arrogance ; 
let us ever bear in mind that whatever talent we possess, whatever power or 
influence we wield, they are trusts committed to us — their number and im- 
portance being evidence of confidence reposed in the possessor, and of the high 
hopes and expectations looked for in return. We all have a duty to perform — 

• Ba«on. 



32 

none beyond our respective powers — for that duty is in proportion to the talent 
each may hold ; to perform our respective duties, we have been commanded 
and most affectionately invited. If we neglect it, a rigid accountability 
awaits us ; if we obey, who can recount the high rewards of that obedience ? 



NOTES. 

The Exhibition in London had for its declared objects "the furtherance of every branch of 
human industry, by the comparison of the processes employed and of results obtained by all 
the nations of the earth;" " the promotion of kindly international feelings, by the practical 
illustration of the advantages which may be derived by each country from what has been done 
by others." 

David Dick (J. E. Holmes, Matteawan, N. Y., Agent,) was awarded a Council Medal for 
his Anti-Friction Presses, which were among the most valuable of the machinery on exhibition; 
and the right to manufacture and use the machines in Great Britain and her Colonies was 
disposed of at a very large price. The award to Mr. D. having been paid previous to the 
Annual Meeting, his nave does not appear among those to whom Medals were presented. 

On the delivery to Mr. B. B. Kirtland, by the President, of the Silver Cup awarded him, 
Mr. Kirtland acknowledged, in very appropriate terms, the compliment which had been paid 
him by the Society. 

Mr. Johnson, on behalf of Messrs. Prouty & Mears, and of Mr. McCormick; Solon Bobinson, 
Esq., editor of the Plow, on behalf of Messrs. A. B. Allen & Co. ; and Hon. George Under- 
wood, on behalf of the Oswego Starch Factory, made appropriate remarks in acknowledgment 
of the awards which had been made to the respective parties. 



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